Unexpected ways to cherish mum this Mother's Day

With May 10 fast approaching, it's time to plan something special for the extra-special woman in your life. But before you reach for that bog-standard bunch of flowers or box of chocolates, why not surprise your mum by doing things a little differently this year? We've come up with some original ideas to show your mother you really care.

Create a personalised menu

You could go to a fancy new opening, but queuing in line for a table probably isn't mum's idea of a good time. So instead of heading out, stay in and enjoy a feast in the comfort or your — or her — own home. Take your cues from her culinary cravings to create dishes that sum up your mum like no restaurant can, whether that means splashing out on luxury ingredients, or serving a chocolate-themed starter, main and dessert. Go the extra mile with a wine-matched menu, and make sure she doesn't even attempt to do the washing up at the end of evening.

Book a mother-and-daughter bonding session

In between juggling work commitments, raising a young family and staying on top of a hundred chores, finding the opportunity to spend some quality one-on-one time together can be a struggle. Whether you book a champagne-fuelled city break — like the Breakfast Bubbles served at Sydney's Gowings Bar and Grill — a relaxing spa package that sees the two of you hopping from steaming sauna to treatment room to swimming pool, it's a win-win option. Not only will you be in your mother's good books for the rest of the year, but you get to enjoy whatever pampering treatments or sightseeing itinerary you have planned too.QT Sydney

A pantry full of her favourite treats

Settle the battle for title of number-one offspring once and for all by indulging your mum's guilty pleasures with a range of gourmet treats and bathroom goodies from Hampers Only. With everything from fragrant candles and porcelain teacups, to bottles of fine wine and cosy bathrobes, your mum will have the perfect excuse to put her feet up this Mother's Day. Alternatively, set your budget, hit the shops or click online, and put together a bespoke basket of gifts yourself.

Sign her up

It's never too late to learn something new, so if your mum has been harbouring a secret desire to take up tap dancing or learn to play the ukulele, why not set the ball rolling with an introductory session? Taking place in cities across the country, Laneway Learning is all about inspiring and informal classes held in cafes and co-working spaces. The regularly changing timetable ranges from art appreciation and meditation to Chinese tea-tasting. Alternatively, signing mum up to a course can be a great way to work towards a fun qualification or skill that the whole family can benefit from — like the wine appreciation evenings run by The Humble Tumbler in Melbourne, or Sydney's Brasserie Bread, which holds hands-on artisan baking or croissant-making sessions.Facebook: Brasserie Bread

Get creative and crafty

While we aren't suggesting you draw on your childhood finger-painting skills, a DIY gift screams thoughtfulness and can be treasured forever — long after flowers have wilted and chocolates have been devoured. Rather than letting them sit on your memory card, pick out some photos to print and put together an album, or let someone else do the hard work by having those family snaps turned into a canvas. If you're on a budget, upcycling can instantly turn trash into treasure. Paint old tin cans in pastel colours and plant herbs within them to make an attractive windowsill garden, or turn jam jars into lanterns with the addition of tea lights and a few pretty ribbons tied around the top.